Newcastle United are once again turning their attention to strengthening their attacking options as they aim to maintain momentum in the Premier League and push for consistent European competition.
While the Magpies have enjoyed a recent run of three consecutive wins, there are still glaring concerns in their forward line. Nick Woltemade has experienced a dip in form midway through the season, and Yoane Wissa has yet to recapture the sharpness that made him such a standout during his time at Brentford.
Compounding the issue is the absence of Alexander Isak, whose injury has left Newcastle lacking the kind of dynamic presence in the final third that could make the difference in tight matches.
Wissa, now 29, has faced an injury-hit start to his Newcastle career and has yet to justify the significant £55 million fee invested in him. The pressure is mounting for the Frenchman to demonstrate that he can consistently deliver at St James’ Park.
With this in mind, the club’s executive, Ross Wilson, has been actively exploring the market for a new number nine who can complement the existing squad while injecting fresh firepower up front. Newcastle’s ambition to cement themselves among Europe’s elite requires both consistency in attack and options that can carry the team through injuries or dips in form.
Reports from TEAMtalk indicate that Newcastle are one of several Premier League sides monitoring Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is understood to be unhappy at Molineux.
Strand Larsen, 25, was a transfer target for Newcastle last summer when a £50 million offer was rejected by Wolves. Circumstances have shifted, however, and the Norwegian’s price tag has now reportedly fallen to around £40 million, making him a more attainable option for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team.
Strand Larsen offers the kind of physicality, hold-up play, and finishing ability that Newcastle are seeking as an upgrade over Wissa, providing an alternative capable of leading the line and offering presence in key attacking moments.
While Strand Larsen’s current season in the Premier League has been underwhelming, his record from the 2024/25 campaign illustrates his capacity to perform at a high level. Compared to Wissa, he demonstrated impressive goal-scoring ability, composure in front of goal, and the kind of tactical awareness that allows a forward to create space and opportunities for teammates.
The table below highlights a side-by-side comparison of Strand Larsen and Wissa’s Premier League performances in the 2024/25 season, showing why Newcastle are seriously considering the Wolves striker as a potential long-term solution at number nine.
| Stats (per game) | Strand Larsen | Wissa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 35 (30) | 35 (34) |
| Goals | 14 | 19 |
| Assists | 4 | 4 |
| Shots (on target) | 1.5 (1.0) | 2.6 (1.2) |
| Accurate passes | 8.4 (65%) | 12.8 (79%) |
| Big chances created | 6 | 3 |
| Key passes | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Dribbles | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Ball recoveries | 1.2 | 2.3 |
| Tackles | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Duels won | 3.0 | 3.4 |
Strand Larsen’s style is different from Wissa’s in that he combines physical presence with technical skill, making him a forward who can hold up the ball, bring others into play, and provide Newcastle with a more complete attacking option.
While Woltemade remains the most technically gifted of Newcastle’s forwards, he is still raw and inconsistent. Strand Larsen, on the other hand, could offer immediate stability and experience in leading a Premier League frontline, especially given his previous success in England.
Further bolstering his credentials, Strand Larsen recently reminded observers of his quality with a hat-trick against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup, showcasing his finishing ability, positional intelligence, and physicality.
His prior performances in England earned him praise from Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who described him as a “nuisance” for defenders, underlining his capability to disrupt opposition backlines while consistently contributing to scoring opportunities.
For Newcastle, the potential addition of Strand Larsen addresses a long-standing need for a more potent attacking threat. While it is premature to write off Wissa entirely, the club’s final-third struggles this season highlight the urgency of securing a reliable number nine.
With Strand Larsen’s availability at a reduced price and his demonstrated capacity to perform in the Premier League, Newcastle may have found the solution to strengthen their forward line and push toward Champions League qualification while ensuring that the squad has the depth and firepower needed for a challenging second half of the season.
By combining the physicality, finishing instinct, and versatility of Strand Larsen with the pace and technical ability of Woltemade and the experience of Wissa, Newcastle could field a frontline capable of competing with the Premier League’s best, securing points consistently, and challenging for European honors.
As the January window unfolds, Eddie Howe and his team must act decisively to turn these strategic scouting insights into a signing that could shape Newcastle’s attacking fortunes for years to come.
